Electricity FAQ’s

HOW CAN AMANDA ENERGY OFFER A LOWER PRICE?

Amanda looks at your individual electricity use and bases their price on this, rather than offering a standard tariff like other electricity suppliers in Perth. With your consent, we look at your energy consumption record over the last 4 years in 30 minute blocks. We then design a price structure which gives you the best reward for your consumption profile. Amanda also examines your Solar and Demand Side Management and checks whether this can make you eligible for further benefits.

IS IT JUST ABOUT THE LOWEST PEAK AND OFF-PEAK PRICE?

Not always, it’s actually about the lowest energy spend. This might incorporate median peak loads, solar PV and DSM for “bundled” electricity, as well as expand to include power factor and contract maximum demand peak shaving for “unbundled” electricity.

WHERE DOES THE ELECTRICITY COME FROM?

Amanda generates some of its electricity from solar while the remaining comes from other electricity suppliers in Perth such as the Wholesale Electricity Market (WEM).

WILL MY POWER SUPPLY BE RELIABLE WITH AMANDA ENERGY?

The WEM is set up to ensure all meters have access to electricity from all generators. Western Power and System Management retains responsibility for the transmission, safety, quality and reliability of your electricity, not your electricity provider.

WHAT IS AN INTERVAL METER OR SMART METER?

If you want to purchase energy from an electricity provider in Perth other than Synergy, for reasons such as to have ‘on peak’ and ‘off peak’ power prices, to participate in DSM or to have a commercial solar installation, you must have an ‘interval’ meter or ‘smart’ meter, which gives readings every half hour. The customer has the right to request that their old style accumulation meter is changed for an interval meter and this may incur a small fee. If your electricity has ever been supplied by a retailer other than Synergy, you will most likely already have had an interval meter fitted.

AM I A CONTESTABLE CUSTOMER?

If you consume more than 50,000 kWh/year (approximately $1,250/month) you are a “contestable” customer. Amanda Energy has a licence to supply electricity to contestable customers.

WILL MY BUSINESS BE DISRUPTED WHEN SWITCHING TO AMANDA ENERGY?

Not normally, if you already have a smart (interval) meter fitted there will be absolutely no interruption. To fit a smart meter, Amanda Energy will work with you and Western Power to minimise any inconvenience.

WILL AMANDA BUY BACK ANY EXCESS SOLAR I PRODUCE?

Yes, Amanda Energy can buy any surplus solar electricity you generate through a credit on your monthly account. Amanda will generally pay a higher rate than other retailers.

WHAT IS THE SWIS?

The South West Interconnected System (SWIS) is made up of the South West Interconnected Network (SWIN) together with the electricity generators, such as Verve Energy, wind farms, solar farms and other privately owned generators. Western Power is the authorised operator for the transmission and distribution network. The SWIS is an isolated, self-contained network – there are no external support networks to provide back up. This means that the SWIS must meet the needs of its electricity consumers at all times. Amanda Energy operates within this defined collaborative system.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF WESTERN POWER?

Western Power and System Management retains responsibility for the transmission, safety, quality and reliability of your electricity. Unlike other electricity suppliers in Perth such as Amanda Energy, Western Power does not generate or retail electricity.

What is the Independent Market Operator (IMO)?

The Independent Market Operator (IMO) is an industry-funded organisation whose role is to operate and develop the Wholesale Electricity Market (WEM) and the Gas Information Services Project (GISP) in Western Australia. The WEM operates in the SWIS. Their job is to:

Ensure there is sufficient capacity to meet demand from WA consumers via the Reserve Capacity Mechanism

Facilitate competition between electricity providers in Perth and the greater WA

Encourage private sector investment in power generation and retailing,

Testimonials

"Amanda Energy have been accessible and proactive in providing seamless power to Spudshed."

- Paul White

Spudshed

“We are now looking at including other sites in the program. Being paid for something we already do is a real bonus.”

- Bernard Egan

Golden Eggs

"Amanda made the process as simple as could be done, and fulfilled the supply of the generator within the promised time frame. This put Kailis Bros in the position to be available for DSM events for the October 2011 supply year. Required technical support has been arranged and the generator has already delivered on its promise. "

- Peter Mirco

Kailis Bros

“We are a bit remote in Muchea, so I was anticipating the install would take a while. They did a great job and actually managed to squeeze a few extra panels onto the generator to make the inverter work at maximum efficiency. The more power generated, the more money I save. Best thing is, it has not cost me a cent."

- Tony Young

Catambo Syndicate

“We have had three sites on the DSM program since 2011. We are now looking at the feasibility of adding more sites, and also exploring the benefits of purchasing our electricity from Amanda and fitting solar. If we can care for the environment and our bottom line at the same time, why wouldn’t we?”

- Mario Casotti,

Casotti Group

"We have been on the DSM program since 2011 and are now looking at adding more sites, as well as electricity supply and solar through Amanda Energy. This summer, I don’t have to worry about a black out."